In my opinion, the less food is processed the healthier it is. While I’m not afraid of the fat in butter or whole milk, I am terrified of 100-calorie snack packs.  Perhaps one of the most processed foods most Americans consume in abundance every day is pasturized and homogenized milk.  From a young age we [...]

As I write about often, I really hate plastic.  Not only is it horrible for the planet, but I believe plastic containers leach chemicals into the foods and drinks we consume. Quite simply, I avoid plastic whenever possible. Lately, fears about the health effects of BPA have deterred many consumers from plastic.  Manufacturers now proudly [...]

I recently discovered Peeled, a juice shop here in Chicago.  Whenever I feel sick or tired, I stop in and after the first sip I start feeling better.  For a few years now I have been curious about trying a juice cleanse. I’ve heard promises that consuming only freshly squeezed organic fruit and vegetable juice [...]

I recently posted a few reasons why I enjoy using coconut oil.  Now you have a chance to win a quart from Tropical Traditions! Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil! Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family [...]

Nearly 5 years after bringing our first baby home, we recently got around to one of the more important things on our baby-proofing check-list: secure furniture to the wall.  We had many excuses for the delay: we weren’t sure when/if we were moving, we didn’t have the time, we didn’t have the right equipment. But, [...]

I think I should write a book about all the things people don’t mention about pregnancy and childbirth. Sure, we’ve all heard about the weight gain and exhaustion, but no one ever bothered to warn me about the one thing that drives me nuts: post-pregnancy hair loss.  About three months after I give birth, my [...]

A few months ago I joined Shred 415, a fitness studio here in the city. The gym offers hour-long semi-personal interval training classes that kick my butt and keep me motivated.  The classes are a nonstop combination of hardcore treadmill work and muscle burning floor exercises.  I leave every high-intensity class sweaty and exhausted, and [...]

Today was a busy one for us.  Chris and my brother-in-law Rob completed the Urbanathalon – an 11 mile endurance race that incorporated city landmarks and urban obstacle courses set on city streets.  The kids and I left the house early to cheer them on, and after the race we all went out for breakfast. [...]

Chris joined a cross-fit gym several months ago.  Cross-fit is a professional, challenging and evidence-based work-out program that is designed to push users to the limit through encouragement and teamwork.  Chris really likes the competitive atmosphere of cross-fit, and his body is now fitter and healthier than its ever been.  In my humble opinion, he [...]

As I’ve written about many times before, I really love the co-op we belong to.  Twice a month, local farm-fresh food is delivered to my area, and my family is happier and healthier because of it.  We order everything from pasture-raised beef to free-ranging chickens to sweet maple syrup.  Perhaps one of my favorite items [...]